This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order. Some Elected Officials and Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application to respect the social distancing guidelines.

 

Elected Officials Present in Chambers:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

 

Elected Officials Present Electronically:

Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Jonathan Davis, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

Staff Present in chambers:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

 

Staff Present Electronically:

Jeff Burton, CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Amber LaRowe, Assistant City Clerk

Phil Southwick, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.,

 

All persons intending to address the City Commission were duly sworn.

 

 

1.  CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL

Mayor Bryant removed item 3.F. from the Consent Agenda.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Varnadore moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the August 24, 2020 Commission Agenda with the removal of item 3.F of the Consent Agenda.

 

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

Betty Rhodes, resident, discussed signage for candidates and the November election.

 

Sheldon Jones, resident discussed signage regulations and candidates putting their signs up for the election.

 

In regards to tonight’s comments, Attorney Barnebey stated that the Code was changed in 2012; the Ordinance was noticed in the newspaper and was public hearing before being adopted.

 

3. CONSENT AGENDA

A.    Minutes: July 20, July 27, August 3, August 5, and August 12

B.     Resolution 2020-14 Participation in Council of Governments Meeting

C.    Legal Invoices

D.    Interlocal Agreement with Manatee County-CARES act funding

E.     CDBG Mitigation Infrastructure Grant Application

F.     Interlocal Agreement with Manatee County-7th Street Extension Removed.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Davis moved, Commissioner Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as recommended by staff with the removal of 3.B. for discussion.

 

3. B. Resolution 2020-14 Participation in the Council of Governments Meeting Discussion:

Commissioner Smith was concerned if this meeting would be in person, ZOOM, or a combination of both and who would be attending. Mayor Bryant stated that when the Agenda has been completed, information about where, when, and how will be announced.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Smith moved, Commissioner Varnadore seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve item 3.B. Resolution 2020-14.

 

 

4. ORDER OF DENIAL CU 2020-03 CIEM REFU LLC

Attorney Barnebey reminded the Commission of the denial of this Conditional Use Permit at the last meeting; this Order outlines the reasons for the denial.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Smith seconded, and the motion carried 4-1 to approve the Order of Denial Conditional Use Permit Application No. CU 2020-03 CIEM REFU LLC. Commissioner Davis voted no.

 

5. JULY CHECK REGISTER (Information Only)

 

Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission Meeting at 7:16 p.m. to open the August 24, 2020 Special CRA Board Meeting.

 

Mayor Bryant reconvened the City Commission Meeting at 8:01 p.m.

 

 

6. UNSOLICITED BID REAL PROPERTY 712 5th Ave West, 1009 8th Street West, 715 10th Ave West

This item was on the CRA Board Agenda for discussion and approval.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Davis moved, Commissioner Varnadore seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to surplus 712 5th Ave West (PID2794600003), 1009 8th Street West, (PID2703300000), 715 10th Ave. West (PID2703200002) and instruct staff to place property for public sale according to state statutes.

 

 

7. TRAFFIC UPDATE

No new updates.

 

8. PALMETTO POOL UPDATE

Tom Yarger, Manatee County, discussed the progress of the Pool with the Commission. He stated that this will go to the County Commission in October for approval. He also clarified a question that was posed by this Commission regarding the Pool being certified and it is certified for both high school and college swim meets. In regard to the comments of there not being a concession stand; Mr. Yarger stated that there is the ability for concession, no frying will be allowed.

9. POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING UPDATE

The Architect and the Construction Manager will be present on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the progress in the Commission Chambers.

 

10. DEPARTMENT HEADS COMMENTS

Mr. Rayan—discussed the paving projects along 4, 5, and 6^th Streets between 11^th and 14^th Avenues. There is some minor work to be done and should be completed within the next month.

 

The Chloramine House Project is starting this week.

 

The Ward 1 Project is moving forward with a survey being completed.

 

Mr. Rayan touched on three grants that the City has applied for.

 

The EQ Basin is functional and online; work is closing out and should be final soon.

 

Mr. Freeman—Reminded the Commission of the meeting on Wednesday August 26^th at 6:00 p.m. The Architects and Construction Manager will be present to discuss how the Police Department Project is moving along. They will also be available in the afternoon to meet individually with the Commission.

 

The Tentative Budget and Millage Meeting will be on September 15^th with the Final Budget and Millage Meeting on September 28^th.

 

Staff is working on the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and will be bringing that forward in October.

 

Attorney Barnebey—discussed the 7^th Street Extension and Haben Boulevard; the property purchase is set to close. He is working with the County on the remaining concerns for the Interlocal on 7^th Street.

 

He stated that Governor DeSantis extended the Executive Order to allow for meetings to be held electronically until October 31^st.

 

Mr. Barnebey recognized Amber LaRowe for her service to the City and congratulated her on her new role as City Clerk in St. Pete Beach.

 

11. MAYORS REPORT

Appreciated that Mr. Yarger was able to attend tonight’s meeting to update the Commission on the progress of the Lincoln Pool.

 

She is looking forward to receiving Ward 1 Phase 2 funding; is hopeful that Manatee County will work with the City on lighting along 2^nd Avenue.

 

Mayor mentioned an email in regard to speed bumps and 24^th Avenue; a copy of the email is made a part of the minutes.

 

12. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS

Commissioner Davis—thanked Mrs. LaRowe for her service to the City. He also thanked all staff for their work during this pandemic.

 

Commissioner Williams—Would like to know more information about the 10^th Street and 5^th Avenue striping; Mr. Rayan stated that he has emailed the project manager and has not heard anything from them.

 

Commissioner Cornwell—thanked Mrs. LaRowe for her service to the City.

 

Discussed the renaming of the Public Works Building in honor of Allen Tusing.

 

Motion”          Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to name the City of Palmetto Public Works Building after Mr. Allen Tusing.

 

Commissioner Varnadore—would like to send a letter to the pavers thanking them for working on this project.

 

Congratulated Amber LaRowe on her move to St. Pete Beach.

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.